The Illinois General Assembly has approved the Rate Relief and Reform Package, which includes a renewable portfolio standard (RPS) and an energy efficiency portfolio standard (EEPS) for Illinois' utilities that, according to representatives of the Environmental Law and Policy Center (ELPC), are among the most aggressive in the country.
The RPS will require Illinois' utilities to supply 2% of their power from renewable sources by 2008, 10% by 2015 and 25% by 2025. The EEPS will require Illinois' utilities to reduce their delivery load by increasing amounts ranging from 0.2% of demand in 2008 up to 2% by 2015.
‘Developing wind power, a 'no-CO2' energy source, can help to solve our global warming problems,’ says Howard A. Learner, executive director of the ELPC. ‘Renewable energy is good for farmers, good for rural economic development and good for the environment. Furthermore, implementing robust energy efficiency programs will provide long-term bill savings for Illinois ratepayers while improving the environment.’
According to ELPC, the Illinois Senate unanimously passed these renewable energy and efficiency provisions earlier this session as the Affordable, Clean Energy Standards Act – Senate Bill 1184.
